Thanks Ian.
A couple more questions while you’re on the line.
Are biting insects, especially mosquitoes a problem? I’m thinking of the risk of catching malaria and dengue. High? Low?

And would petrol be the only fuel available for camp cooking stoves? ie for a multi fuel camp stoves like yours, if you were carrying it.

And can I assume that ethanol for a Trangia, or small gas cylinders (for gas camping burners such as JetBoil) would be very hard to obtain?

Graham
As you know, I sent my camping gear home. In hindsight, I may have kept a tent and put it up near a church or a police station. Forget anywhere else because suitable places are few and far between. The main problem will be getting a bit of privacy. At times, I'd like some cooking gear to get a change of food. But again, I don't need an audience. Having said that, I acknowledge that I'm a visitor.
The good thing about today's ride is that I did 40 km to Borong, had what I call a quality break and then did 1600+m of climbing in the afternoon. On this subject, I remember getting to China in 2011 and people not taking any notice of me. It was the most wonderful thing and something I can thank Mao for.
Here, as in many places, I begin to understand how animals in zoos must feel. People cannot see that you've just cycled up a huge hill and would like to rest in peace for a moment. Likewise, those at home who have never traveled in Asia, can't understand that 2000 m of climbing in hot and humid conditions is the easy bit.
Something else that's clear is the lack of tourists. COVID had a huge effect. Tourists, especially those on bikes, are the best sources of information. As I say, looking for accommodation on the internet is hopeless. 1. You might not have internet. 2. You have no idea how far you might get. 3. You get swamped by booking.com etc, that suggests accommodation 50 km away!! A tent solves some of these problems.
Ian

Quadruple if you zoom in... :-)

Ian do you think there’s any need for carrying camping & cooking gear when cycle touring in the eastern region of the archipelago?

It appears that even in the less touristed areas you are readily finding food & accommodation; except for that stint of police billets you used when it seemed that camping wasn’t an option in any case.

Would you recommend cycle touring in eastern Nusa Tenggara with minimal (or even zero) tent, pots, stove, fuel etc?

Bill, I like it!

Someone in yellow double photobombing...

Very good!

“Renovator’s delight in this tightly held seaside hamlet. Make an offer. Open House on Saturday after call-to-prayer, or phone LJ Hooker for a brochure.”

Joel, a pretty hard day at the office. Locals can't believe the rain. Difficult question about how long to stick around hoping that it clears. The road wasn't slippery - I tested it a bit, and there had been enough rain to wash any oil away.

Gerard, all pigs are fine looking. Wal

That is a fine looking pig Wal.

Terrific stuff Ian. Great accomplishment and adventure in the wet. Looks like the stalls had plenty of veg for you to keep the furnace going. You are braver than most down hills. You still have enough humour for visual puns!

Thanks Ian I can still see a photo but don't find them easy on a phone.

Thanks Joel. I seem to be copping a few more burning hoops than usual. COVID has hit tourism hard here. I'm just not seeing tourists so there's not the conversation in guesthouses at day's end.

Yes, but you'd be climbing impressively. Clearly, the mass of the load is irrelevant.